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Can co-operatives play a role in a transition to socialism?
You remove the boss and the owners, leaving workers equal in management and production: job done? Not quite, but co-ops should not be casually dismissed either, explains the MARX MEMORIAL LIBRARY
NO FANTASY: Co-operatives can be part of the normal running of everyday capitalism without any obvious progressive political agenda

MANY socialists are members of co-operatives — from choosing to shop in their local Co-op supermarket or banking with the Nationwide Building Society, to playing a more active part in housing or other co-operatives.

For many, whatever their view of the quality of the goods and services, their membership provides the satisfaction of engaging with a body that is not solely concerned with making a profit for its shareholders.

But what role can co-operatives play beyond this, for example helping to secure a better, socialist, future?

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